RESOLUTION 14-03
Overtures 14-06–07, 14-11, 14-13, 14-17 (CW, pp. 466–468, 470–472)
WHEREAS, Before mankind’s fall into sin, God created the estate of marriage (Gen. 1:27−28; Gen. 2:18−26) “for the mutual companionship, help and support that each person ought to receive from each other, that man and woman may find delight in one another and for the procreation of children” [Lutheran Service Book (LSB), p. 275]; and
WHEREAS, After mankind’s fall into sin, Jesus affirms that in the beginning God created marriage as the union of one man and one woman (Matt. 19:3−9); and
WHEREAS, “In marriage we see a picture of the communion between Christ and His bride, the church” (LSB, p. 275; Eph. 5:22−33); and
WHEREAS, The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that marriages may be contracted between two persons of the same sex; and
WHEREAS, Such unions destroy the picture of Christ’s love for the Church and are a matter of grave offense before God (Rom. 1:26−27; 1 Cor. 6:9−11; 1 Tim. 1:8−11); therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in convention affirm and faithfully confess the biblical truth that marriage is God’s creation, the exclusive union of one man and one woman; and be it further
Resolved, That the convention affirm and faithfully confess that same-sex marriage is contrary to Scripture and to God’s design for His creation, and in no way fulfills God’s intention to bless His children through holy marriage; and be it further
Resolved, That the pastors of the Synod continue to deal compassionately with those who struggle with same54 sex attraction through the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and corporate and individual confession and absolution; and be it further
Resolved, That the pastors of the Synod continue to deal compassionately with the family, friends, 2 and all others impacted by those who struggle with same-sex attraction or those involved in same-sex relationships, through the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and corporate and individual confession and absolution; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to utilize current LCMS resources such as these Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) documents: Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective, Response to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust and The Creators Tapestry: Scriptural Perspectives on Man-Woman Relationships in Marriage and the Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the CTCR be directed to update the document Human Sexuality (1981) in order to address current challenges to the estate of marriage; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention direct the Board for National Mission, Concordia Publishing House, and the two seminaries of our Synod to provide resources that enable the church to confess the truth boldly and deal compassionately with those who struggle with same-sex attraction and those who care for them.